Vacuum recloser having lightweight,rugged skeletal housing



March 24, 1970 E. J. FIIELD' ET AL VACUUM RECLOSER HAVING LIGHTWEIGHT,RUGGED SKELETAL HOUSING Filed July 25, 1966 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 24,1970 v E 1, HE D ET AL 7 3,502,834

VACUUM RECLOSER HAVING LIGHTWEIGHT, RUGGED SKELETAL HO US ING Filed July25, 1966 a Sheets-Sheet 2 1 l 1 I ZQ i I i I I a 1 I02 I March 24, 1970I E. J. FI ELD ET AL 3,502,834

VACUUM BECLOSER HAVING LIGHTWEIGHT, RUGGED SKELETAL HOUSING 8Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 25, 1966 L V a 7: m pm 2. EF J a 7 1D e 7 m SA2 r95 1 x I n Z, a way m 5 w P i HHH I 00 Y 00 B nllwfl p March 24,1970 i E. J. m mm 3,502,834

VACUUM RECLOSER HAVING LIGl-ITWEJIGHT, RUGGED SKELETAL HOUSING aSheets-Sheet 4.

Filed July 25, 1966 March 24, 1970 E. J, FIELD ETAL 3,502,834.

VACUUM RECLOSER HAVING LIGHTWEIGHT, RUGGED SKELETAL HOUING Filed July25, 1966 a Sheets-Sheet 5 March 24, 1970 I Q FIELD ET AL 3,502,834

VACUUM RECLOSER HAVING LIGHTWEIGHT, RUGGED SKELETAL HOUSING Filed July25, 1966 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTORS EVE/eff? J F/EAD fie r// e 5.awry/n4 3,502,834 VACUUM RECLOSER HAVING LIGHTWEIGHT, RUGGED SKELETALHOUSING Everett J. Field, Jeannette, and Arthur S. Caswell and EugeneGorin, Greensburg, Pa., assignors, by mesne assignments, to I-T-EImperial Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Delaware FiledJuly 25, 1966, Ser. No. 567,700 Int. Cl. H01h 9/30 US. Cl. 200-144 6Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A vacuum recloser device formultiphase systems including individual vacuum interrupters for each ofthe phases being protected and a skeletal housing for the device whichis lightweight, yet sufliciently rugged to Withstand all operating andenvironmental requirements.

Present-day trends in the circuit protection field are toward theprovision of rugged, highly reliable circuit protective apparatus whichis substantially versatile to meet all forms of all conditions and whichis extremely light in weight while providing at least equal or improvedcapabilities over present-day apparatus.

The instant invention is characterized by the provision of a vacuumrecloser apparatus employing new concepts of materials, structures,mechanism, insulation and control in the vacuum interrupter field, forthe purpose of exploiting the unique advantages of vacuum interrupters,as well as creating a distribution feeder protective device offering thebenefits of higher capacity, faster circuit interruption, more pleasingappearance, greater durability, freedom from maintenance, moreflexibility of adjustment to meet different application requirements,ease of adjustment, direct trip and a number of fail-safe features.

The instant invention is comprised of a three-phase vacuum interrupterapparatus comprising interrupters for each of the phases which are ofthe high-power vacuum type. Such interrupters are characterized bybutt-type contacts which, in the fully disengaged position,'separate bya very short distance. Any are formed during the interruption operationwithin the ultra high vacuum environment is not sustained due to theabsence of an ionized path, and hence are extinction usually occurswithin the first current zero, following contact separation.

The closing mechanism for operating the vacuum interrupfers to theclosed position is small and compact, an advantageous design featurewhich is permissible due to United States Patent the interrupters shortgap in the disengaged position. A ratcheting mechanism, which is drivenby a high initial torque, universal A.C.-D.C. motor, functions to chargea set of closing springs which are latched in the charged position. Anelectrical trip solenoid releases the charged closing springs uponreceipt of the appropriate signal, to drive a cam and linkages thatsimultaneously close the contacts of the vacuum interrupters andautomatically charge a set of interrupter opening springs. A secondmechanical latch locks the mechanism in a contacts closed position. Theadvantageous feature of the closing mechanism is that the only thingrequired to close the recloser apparatus is a means of releasing theclosing latch. The closing function, however, is independent of whetheror not power exists at the charging motor.

The closing mechanism further incorporates a control relay whichincludes a limit switch operative to the closed position for energizingthe motor circuit upon the completion of the contacts closing stroke,thereby immediately recharging the closing springs within an interval ofabout one second. The limit switch is sensitive to the charged ordischarged condition of the closing springs, not to the position of theinterrupter contacts. A second pair of limit switch contacts opens thecircuit to the closing latch release solenoid. Thus, in the absence ofmotor power that fails to charge the closingsprings, the mechanismcannot be released to cause a drifting together of the main contacts.Since the opening springs are charged simultaneously with the contactclosing operation, a normal opening and interrupting operation can occurin the absence of any control power. The second feature of the controlrelay is provided by a coil energized by a third set of limit switchcontacts. This coil is sealed in by one set of contacts which itoperates and opens the closing solenoid circuit with another set ofcontacts. This provides an antipump feature in the event that a faultpersists, and for any reason a normal switching circuit to the closingsolenoid becomes sealed.

The oepning springs are designed to be charged by a transfer of energyfrom the deenergization of the closing springs. The opening springs arein two sets, both of which contribute to the opening operation, but eachof which independently serves a particular function. A first set ofopening springs is mounted above the closing mechanism and connected toa main operating arm for urging the arm in a direction opposite that ofthe closing springs to drive the contacts firmly into engagement. Theadvantage of this arrangement is to minimize the end of stroke impact,reduce bounce-at travel termination and accelerate the contacts at arate necessary to bring the contacts promptly to their high separatingvelocity. These contact pressure and accelerating spring members extractno energy during the first half of the closing stroke, during which timeall of the closing energy should be directed to the accelerating of themasses represented in the mechanism contacts and linkages. A tripoperation may be initiated either by means of a mechanical pushbutton ora conventional electrical control switch.

A magnetic latch is employed as the high speed tripping device. Themagnetic latch has a high and a low reluctance path and a control coil.The armature, in contact with fixed pole pieces, comprises the lowreluctance path. A core and an air gap in series with the control coilcomprise the high reluctance path. A pulse of current through the coilmomentarily converts the high reluctance path to a lower reluctance thatcauses flux to shift from the low reluctance path. The shift in fluxfrom the armature of the tripping latch reduces the holding torque thusreleasing the latch and permitting opening of the coil to initiate atripping operation. Special bushing current transformers called sensorssupply the current pulse. When line fault current exceeds apredetermined value the sensor secondary voltage causes a flux shift torelease the armature and hence the charged closing springs releasing amechanical latch.

The recloser bushings are air filled, high strength, alumina porcelain.An aluminum (or other metal) flange and grounding shield are epoxycemented to a portion of the external cylindrical portion. Sensors mountover the ground shield. Alternate construction is for a metallizedporcelain surface to provide the ground shield. Terminals may be eithereye-bolt type or standard threaded studs to take selected standardterminals.

The vacuum interrupters are mounted directly between the inside bushingterminals using high conductivity formed metal brackets. Specialattention to the current-carrying path on the moving contact endprovides electro-magnetic forces that tend to increase rather thandecrease contact force during flow of fault current. Also, parallelsolid links bridge from stationary bracket to moving contact toeliminate flexible connectors (Braid). By means of a coined sphericalprotrusion and a mating conical indentation, current transfer is acrossan annular contact ring that permits relative motion of mating parts.There are two current paths per interrupter and electromagnetic forceson the links tend to increase contact pressure of the links during faultcurrent flow.

Control and intelligence in response to fault conditions are provided byan electronic, solid state control that determines open intervalduration, number of open intervals, dual time/current characteristic andfinal lockout. This control is equipped with calibrated dials permittingadjustment to published values and accuracies of any one of thefollowing operating characteristics:

Choice of phase time delay curve Choice of line to ground delay curveChoice of phase fast curve Choice of line to ground fast curve Number oftrips to lockout Number of total trips that will be fast Minimum pickupsensitivity of each phase Duration of first open interval Duration ofsecond open interval Duration of third open interval Control of resettime.

All of the above adjustments are controllable by means of manuallyoperable knobs mounted upon a single panel behind a door that can belocked for access only by authorized personnel. Three manually operatedswitches, however, are accessible to any operating personnel and providefor reclose after lockout, local trip, ground trip and a safety lockoutor non-automatic setting to defeat the control programming and causelockout after one opening response to a fault. The control is compactand may be readily removed by removal of fastening members anddisconnecting a standard, multipin military-type connector. The controlmechanism includes redundant circuits to provide for fail-safe operationand all switching modes are make rather than break for the same reason.

The housing for the recloser apparatus presents a vast departure fromconventional practice. The basic concept is to provide a skeletalsupporting frame fulfilling all of the mechanical functions of supportfor the functional components of the apparatus. This permitsenvironmental protective functions to be provided independently. Theskeletal structure supports a sheet-metal barrier whichcompartmentalizes the housing as well as isolating the interruptingcompartment from the control compartment. The supporting structuresupports the components described above as well as furnishing afoundation for terminal blocks, electronic control, auxiliary switches,and a conduit for incoming power and remote control leads. The skeletalframe serves as a pedestal during manufacturing and handling prior toinstallation as well as providing suitable attachment means to afloating substation pad at the final site. Durable, light-weight plastichousings are seated in gasketed grooves of this skeletal frame, and hangupon the main structure like a suit of clothes and serve only thefunction of environmental protection. The housings are preferablyfabricated from glass fiber reinforced resin such as polyester withcolor pigment mixed in the resin prior to curing to provide full depth,life-time color. All framing 4 members are preferably formed of aluminumto share the life-time maintenance-free characteristics of the housings.

It is, therefore, one object of the instant invention to provide a novelvacuum recloser apparatus which is formed of substantially light-weightand yet rugged components.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide a novel vacuumrecloser apparatus for three phase systems, and the like, comprisingindividual vacuum interrupters for each of the phases being protected.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide a novel vacuumrecloser apparatus having an operating mechanism and linkages of lowmoving mass for performing the opening and closing operations so as topermit high speed operation and to avoid substantial tilting forces tobe imparted to the supporting structure.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide a novel recloserapparatus for multiphase systems, and the like, having means for:charging the closing springs and latch means for locking the closingsprings into the charged position to permit performance of a closingoperation in the absence of control power.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide a novel recloserapparatus for multiphase systems, and the like, comprising separateopening and closing springs wherein the discharging of the closingsprings automatically charges the opening springs and actuates the latchto hold the opening springs in the charged position.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide a novel recloserapparatus for multiphase systems, and the like, comprising separateopening and closing springs wherein the discharging of the closingsprings automatically charges the opening springs and actuates the latchto hold the opening springs in the charged position, and wherein theopening springs are further comprised of a first set of spring membersoperative during the closing operation to substantially reduce contactbounce and to maintain contact pressure, and further performing thefunction of immediately imparting high velocity movement to thecooperating contact of the vacuum interrupters during an openingoperation while the second set of operating spring members maintainscontact velocity already established by the main contact pressure andaccelerating opening spring members.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide vacuum reclosermeans for multiphase systems, and the like, comprising a novel skeletalhousing for the apparatus which is light-Weight and yet sufiicientlyrugged to withstand all operating and environmental requirements.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide novel vacuumrecloser means for use in multiphase systems, and the like, comprisingvacuum interrupters for each of the phases being protected being mountedbetween a pair of bushings aligned transverse to the vacuum interruptersand further comprising an operating mechanism designed to substantiallyreduce cantilever forces imposed upon the mounting bushings duringoperation of the recloser means.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide novel vacuumrecloser means for use in multiphase systems, and the like, comprisingmagnetic latch means for performing instantaneous tripping operationsand including current-sensing devices mounted about the bushingssupporting each vacuum interrupter for the purpose of shifting fluxwithin the magnetic latch in order to initiatean instantaneous trippingoperation when line fault current exceeds a predetermined thresholdlevel.

Still another object of the instant invention is to provide novel vacuumrecloser means for use in multiphase systems, and the like, comprisingsolid state circuitry for selectively operating the recloser mechanismto control the number of trips to lock out the time delay characteristic curve of opera ion, the number of total trips that will be fast orslow, the minimum pickup sensitivity of each phase, the duration of eachopen interval and the reset time of the apparatus.

These and other objects of the instant invention will become apparentwhen reading the accompanying description and drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the vacuum recloser apparatusembodying the principles of the instant invention and showing the upperhousing removed, and the lower housing as being substantially invisiblein order to better display the components housed therein.

FIGURES 2 and 2a are front and side elevational views of the vacuumrecloser apparatus of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is an elevational view of the vacuum recloser apparatus ofFIGURE 1 showing one vacuum interrupter and the linkage between theinterrupter and the operating mechanism in greater detail.

FIGURE 4 is an elevational view of the vacuum recloser apparatus ofFIGURES 1 and 2 showing the opening springs and magnetic latch apparatusin greater detail.

FIGURE 4a is a front view of the operating mechanism of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 4b is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG- URE 4.

FIGURE 5a is an end view showing one vacuum interrupter and the localoperating linkages therefor in greater detail.

FIGURE 5b is a view of the interrupter assembly of FIGURE 5a looking inthe direction of line AA of FIGURE 5a.

FIGURE 5c is an end view showing the arrangement of FIGURE 5a with thecontacts open.

FIGURE 6 is a partially sectionalized side view of one of the bushingsof the vacuum recloser apparatus of FIGURES 1 and 2.

FIGURE 6a is a top view of the bushing of FIG- URE 6.

FIGURES 6b and 6c are partial views of the connecting terminal end ofthe bushing of FIGURE 6 showing alternative terminal connections whichmay be employed with the bushing.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGURES 1 and2a, there is shown therein a vacuum recloser apparatus 10 supported by askeletal structure which is a welded assembly preferably formed ofaluminum members. The pedestal consists of two bent angles 12 and 13bolted to vertical column 17 to form an X- shape in plan view. Each ofthe angles 12 and 13 is provided with a pair of vertical clip angles 12aand 13a which provide a solid grip on all four sides of vertical column.In this way efiicient connection is accomplished which insures maximumrigidity in all directions. The pedestal is predrilled such as shown at12b to accept anchor bolts for permanent assembly on concrete footmg.

The horizontal frame is preferably a welded assembly (see FIGURE 2) andconsists of: Two joist-s channels 19 spaced toward center by a pair ofshort channels 18, all of which are framed by closed loop member 20which is an H-shaped extrusion. Sheet metal floor 21 rests upon the topof channels 18 and 19 and halfway between H- shaped extrusion 20. Thisassembly 20 forms a pair of horizontal grooved tracks 20a and 20d fornesting the upper and lower shells 24b and 24] respectively. Floor 21acts as a metal barrier between the upper and lower compartments. Theupper end of square column 17 is sandwiched between a pair of shortchannels 18 and is preferably welded to these members. The uppercompartment houses high voltage equipment (interrupting unit 55)supporting hardware and leverages as well as insulating control rods 99which couple interrupting units with the operating mechanism 200 locatedin the lower compartment. The lower compartment houses the operatingmechanism 200 and low voltage control equipment 190.

The skeletal structure further comprises two arches 22 and 23, theelements of which lie in substantially vertical planes. Each of thearches 22 and 23 are formed of two substantially vertically alignedsections such as, for example, the sections 23a and 23b of FIGURES 1 and2a which support a horizontally aligned section 230 by means of twodiagonally aligned sections 23d and 23a, respectively. The components23a-23e are preferably welded to one another.

A channel reinforced cover member 24 is rigidly secured to the elements220 and 23c, respectively, of the arches 22 and 23. Cover plate 24 issubstantially a fiat member having a flange 24a surrounding itsperiphery. A pair of channels 25 (only one of which is shown in FIGURES2 and 2a) have the free ends of the channel arms preferably welded tothe underside of cover member 24. The channels 25 are substantially inalignment with the elements 220 and 230, respectively, and are rigidlybolted thereto by the fastening members 26. In addition thereto, thecomponents 220 and 23c each receive a U- shaped pin 27 and 28 which arethreadedly engaged at the lower ends of their arms so as to threadedlyengage the fastening nut 29 below members 220 and 23c to transmitlifting forces directly to the skeletal frame. The U-shaped members 27and 28 permit the entire structure to be lifted for transportation orassembly purposes, both as regards the assembly of the structure itselfas well as the assembly of the structure on a site.

The cover 24 is provided with a plurality of openings suflicient innumber to receive the pairs of terminal bushings which are provided forcoupling the recloser apparatus to the multiphase system being protectedas well as providing the electrical connection and mechanical supportfor the vacuum switches to be more fully described. The enclosure 24bhaving a substantially rectangular configuration and being curved nearthe corners, has its upper marginal edge positioned beneath the flange24a of cover 24. Enclosure 24b is preferably formed of a suitableinsulating material. The lower marginal edge of enclosure 24b ispositioned within the upper curve 20a of closed loop member 20 and isseated upon a gasket 20c positioned therein so as to provide a suitablewater tight seal. A flat gasket 240 is provided for similarpurposes andis positioned between the upper marginal edge of enclosure 24b and theunderside of cover plate 24. Enclosure 24b is provided with a removablecover plate 24d mounted by fastening means 24e for the purpose ofgaining access to the interior of the upper compartment which is definedby barrier wall 21 in closure 24b and cover plate 24.

A substantially shell-shaped enclosure 24 is provided for enclosing therecloser electronics and the recloser operating mechanism designatedgenerally by the numeral 2.00. Lower enclosure 24 has its upper marginaledge seated within the curve 20d of closed loop member 20 and bearsagainst a gasket 202 for purposes of weatherproof sealing. Enclosure 24is provided with a suitable opening 24g for receiving the column 17therethrough. Column 17 is provided with a mounting plate 17a whichsecures lower enclosure 24] to the structure by fastening means 17c. Aremovable panel 193 is provided along one surface of lower enclosure 24and is removably secured thereto by fastening means 193a to permit readyaccess to the lower compartment interior generally defined by enclosure24 and barrier wall 21. As can clearly be seen from consideration ofFIGURES l and 2a, the structural design of the recloser apparatus issuch that the enclosing members are extremely lightweight in that theirmajor function is protection of the recloser structure against theelements. All of the supporting strength for the recloser structure iscompletely divorced from the enclosure members 24b and 24 The strengthof the supporting structure is such as to permit swift, efiicientassembly at a job site by lifting the recloser structure by means ofU-bolt 27. This overall supporting and weather protecting structurepermits a relatively lightweight and yet superior strength apparatus.

One typical bushing 29 (see FIGURE 1) is mounted within an opening 241)in cover 24. The bushing 29 of FIGURE 2 is comprised of a maininsulating portion 30 through which extends a conductor rod 31 havingupper and lower threaded ends 31 and 32, respectively. The bushing isprovided with a ledge 33 intermediate the ends thereof for resting uponthe surface of a flange 34 provided on collar 35. Collar 35 is a hollowtubular member which is inserted into opening 24b and is secured theretoby fastening means 36. The portion of the insulator member 30 containedwithin collar 35 is secured to collar 35 by filling the intermediatespace with an epoxy 37 so as to rigidly hold the terminal bushing tocollar 35 and hence to cover member 24. It should be understood that allof the remaining bushings are secured to cover member 24 in a similarmanner.

FIGURES 66c show one bushing in greater detail. As can clearly be seen,collar flange 34 is provided with three equally spaced openings 34a-34cfor receiving fastening means of the type designated by numeral 36 inFIGURE 2 for securement to cover member 24. The space between the uppersurface of collar flange 34 and the ledge provided in insulator portion30 is occupied by a relatively thin gasket 38 for the purpose ofadequately sealing this region from entering into the housing of therecloser apparatus. As shown in FIGURES 2 and 6a the insulator body 30receives an elongated threaded member having an upper end 31 and a lowerend 32. The lower end 32 of the threaded member threadedly engages a nut39 which is tightened sufficiently to compress a fiber washer 40 and ametallic washer 41 between the lower edge of the insulator body and thefastening nut 39. The upper end 31 of the threaded member is threadedlyengaged by a compression nut 42 which is tightened so as tosatisfactorily compress a rubber washer 43 between the fastening nut 42and the top of the insulator body 30.

In cases where the coupling to the upper end 31 of the threaded memberis to be made to a connecting component of dissimilar diameter, the studterminal adapter of FIGURE 6b may be employed. In the arrangement ofFIGURE 6b the upper end of threaded member 31 receives a stud terminaladapter 44 having a flange portion 440 which bears against the upper endof the insulator body 50. A threaded portion 33 is integrally formedwith the stud terminal adapter 32 and is provided with a diametersuitable for coupling to a connecting'element (not shown), therebyenabling adaption of the recloser apparatus to a connecting component ofdissimilar diameter.

A still further modification is shown in FIGURE 60 wherein a connector46 threadedly engages the upper end 31 of the threaded member and istightened sufliciently to compress a sealing gasket 47. The connector 46is provided with an eyebolt 48 the threaded end of which 49a passesthrough an opening (not shown) in connection 46 so that its freethreaded end 49a may be moved in a direction shown by arrow 51 so as totighten any electrical conductor inserted into the opening in eyelet 48by causing it to bear against the arcuate edge 52 provided along thelower edge of connector 46, as it is shown in FIG- URE 60.

FIGURE 2 shows the manner in which a vacuum switch 55 is secured to apair of terminal bushings 29 and 29'.

FIGURES a and 5b are detailed views showing the construction of atypical vacuum switch 55. The vacuum switch is comprised of aninsulating vacuum envelope 56 containing a pair of electrical contacts57 and 58. Electrical contact 58 is coupled physically and electricallyto a conductive rod 59 which passes through a suitable opening in theinsulating vacuum opening, forming a stationary electrical terminal 60.Contact 57 is coupled to a relatively movable conductive rod 61 whoseleft-hand end 61a for-ms the movable electrical terminal. An elfectivevacuum seal is maintained in the presence of the movable terminal 61 bymeans of a flexible metallic bellows assembly 62 which is free to expandor contract, depending upon the position of the terminal 61. Theinterior region 56a of the envelope 56 is vacuumized so that separationof the contacts 57 and 58, which normally causes arcing, will notsustain an are due to the effective lack of ionizable material Withinthe vacuum chamber. As is well known in the vacuum interrupter art, thearc is extinguished when the current crosses the zero axis.

The vacuum switch is provided with a mounting plate 63 having twointegrally formed threaded members 64 and 65 for coupling an operatingassembly thereto. The operating assembly 66 is comprised of a supportingbracket 67 having a substantially J-shaped configuration with itsshorter arm 68 being provided wit-h suitable aper tures (not shown) forreceiving threaded members 64 and 65 to secure supporting bracket 67 tothe front mounting plate 63. Securement is completed by means of thelock washers 66a and 66b, respectively. The long arm 69 of supportingbracket 67 is provided with a suitable opening for receiving a bolt 70which threadedly engages a threaded collar 71 suitably secured bywelding or other means to a stationary contact block 72. The stationarycontact block 72 is sandwiched between the front mounting plate 63 andlong arm 69 and is rigidly secured to long arm 69 by the bolt 73.

Contact block 72 is provided with a pair of depressions 72a and 72b onopposite sides thereof which are designed to seat suitable protrusions74a and 75a provided near the lower ends of a pair of movable contactlinks 74 and 75, respectively. The movable contact links are furtherprovided with a pair of protrusions 74b and 75b near the upper endsthereof, which are seated within cooperating depressions 76a and 76b,respectively, provided in contact rod block 76. Contact rod block 76 isprovided with a suitable aperture for receiving the threaded end 61a ofthe movable electrical terminal and is keyed to the terminal by means ofa resilient thread-lock formed by means of a tapped aperture 76cvertically aligned in contact rod block 76 which threadedly engages alocking or set screw 77 for firmly keying block 76 to the movableelectrical terminal 61a. A hexagonal nut 78 threadedly engages theforward end of terminal 61a and is provided with a smaller threadedopening for receiving the threaded end of a contact rod head 79 which isfree to pass through an opening 69b in long arm 69 of supporting bracket67 for the purpose of coupling the vacuum switch operating assembly tothe recloser operating mechanism, in a manner to be more fullydescribed. The coupling is made by virtue of an opening 79a provided incontact rod head 79 for receiving a pin member to couple the rod head toan L-arm 80, shown in FIGURE 2, and to be more fully described.

The pair of movable contact links 74 and 75 are maintained seated withinthe depressions previously mentioned in blocks 72 and 76 by means of aspring biased fastening assembly comprised of bolt 81 passing throughsuitable apertures in contact links 74 and 75 and threadedly engaging anut 82 which is sufficiently tightened to place a spring member 83 undercompression. Spring member 83 bears against the outside surface ofmovable contact link 74 and against washer 84 causing the contact links74 and 75 to be urged toward one another.

Turning to a consideration of the vacuum switch 55 as it is coupled inthe recloser apparatus, FIGURE 2 shows a stationary electrical terminal60 coupled to a connector 85 of a type; similar to the connector 46,shown in FIGURE 6c. The connector 85 is comprised of a substantiallyU-shaped bracket 86 secured to the lower end 32' of an elongatedthreaded rod by means of fastening members 87 and 88 mounted on oppositesides of bracket 86 which is provided with an opening sufficient toreceive lower end 32'. The lower end of U-shaped bracket 86 is providedwith an opening suitable for receiving a threaded member 89 secured by afastening nut 90 for the purpose of drawing a substantially U-shapedclamp 91 upwardly against bracket 86 in order to firmly embrace thestationary terminal 60 therebetween and establish a good electricalcontact.

The movable contact (see FIGURE 3) is mechanically coupled throughcontact rod head 79 to the L-shaped arm 80 which is a pivotal connectionsecured by pin means 92. The vacuum interrupter supporting bracket 67 issecured to terminal bushing 29 by means of an L-shaped bracket 93secured to threaded end 32 of the terminal bushing by means of nuts 94and 95 which are tightened to a sufficient degree. The lowermost end ofthreaded portion 32 also threadedly engages supporting bracket 67through a threaded opening 67a shown best in FIGURE a. The verticallyaligned arm of the L-bracket 93 is also fastened to supporting bracket67 by fastening means 94. L-shaped bracket 93 is provided with aprojection 95 extending outwardly therefrom, which projection 95 ispreferably a solid block having an opening or slit 95a (see FIGURE 2a)for pivotally coupling L-shaped arm 80 by means of a pivot pin 96. Thispermits arm 80 to pivot either in the clockwise or counterclockwisedirection about pin 96.

The opposite end of arm 80 is coupled by a pin 97 to a coupling terminal98 secured to an insulating rod 99. The lower end of insulating rod 99is provided with a second end coupling 100 having a downwardlyprojecting portion 100b. A collar 101 is reciprocally mounted uponprojection 100d. The lower end of projection 100d threadedly engages anut 105 above which is positioned a washer member 106. Washer 106 actsas the support for the lower end of a spring member 107, the upper endof which bears against the lower edge of collar 101 during operation ofthe recloser in a manner to be more fully described. The a mount ofupward travel which may be experienced by collar 101 is limited by thelower shoulder 100a of end coupling 100 Collar 101 is provided with twoprojecting pins 101a and 101b which pivotally couple collar 101 to leverarm 102, as can best be seen in FIGURE 20. Lever arm 102 pivots about ashaft 103 which is secured near its ends by a pair of L-brackets 103a,only one of which is shown in FIGURES 2 and 2a. Lever arm 102 is rigidlycoupled to shaft 103 so as to be rotated in unison therewith. Inaddition thereto, shaft 103 is rigidly coupled to a second lever arm 108which imparts rotation to shaft 103 in a manner to be more fullydescribed.

The lower end of lever arm 108 is pivotally connected by means of pin143 to connecting lever 118 and connecting lever 142, respectively. Thisarrangement is shown in greater detail in FIGURES 4 and 4b.

The opposite end of connecting lever 118 is pivotally connected to pinmeans 119 which is secured at opposite ends thereof by suitable cotterpins 134a and 134d. As can best be seen from FIGURE 4b, the connectingarm 118 actually constitutes a pair of arms both of which are coupled ata first end to pin 143 and at its second end to pin 119. A rotatablelever 112, which is designed to pivot about 147, is likewise coupled topin 119 at a point intermediate its ends.'Ihe upper end of rotatablelever 112 has a roller attached. The roller strikes the head ofadjustment bolt 131a anchored by jamb nut 130 to piston arm 131. Theforward end of piston arm 131 is coupled to piston 132, shown in dottedfashion, which piston is reciprocally mounted within piston chamber 133.The piston and piston chamber serve as a buffer means which is operatednear the end of a contact opening stroke in order to absorb some of theimpact of the opening stroke.

The pin 119, as can best be seen in FIGURES 4 and 4b has pivotallycoupled thereto three opening spring connecting elements 113a-113c whichact to couple the forward end of three opening spring members 120-122,respectively, to the rotatable lever 112, As can best be seen in FIGURE4b, rotatable lever 112 is actually comprised of a pair of lever arms112a and 112b, the upper end thereof receives pin 129 therebetween whichserves to mount a flat plate 129a which, in turn, is threadedly engagedto the threaded portion 131a of piston rod 131.

The rearward end of each opening spring -122 is provided with a springconnecting means 113d-113f, respectively, similar to the connectingmeans 113a-113c, respectively, for the purpose of mounting the rewardends of the spring to a stationary rod 128. Rod 128 is held in thestationary position by a pair of substantially L-shaped brackets and 126which are secured by suitable fastening means such as, for example,fastening means 148 to the housing 149 of the recloser operatingmechanism. The L-brackets 125 and 126 are provided with a plurality ofholes 126a-126c to provide for tensio-ning adjustments of the openingsprings 120-122. FIGURE 4 shows the opening springs in the chargedposition preparatory to an opening operation. The charged springs, uponrelease of a mechanism latch means to be more fully described, willdrive the rotatable lever 112 clockwise about its pivot 147 to initiatethe opening stroke, in a manner to be more fully described. Therotatable lever arms 112a and 112b are further provided with a pair ofsuitable openings for receiving pin means 129, shown best in FIGURE 4b.Pin means 129 also passes through a suitable aperture provided at theupper end of an operating arm 150 which is mounted to pivot about shaft147. Pin means 129 also pivotally couples a reciprocating arm 152 havinga projection 152a which is bent at right angles to the main body ofreciprocating arm 152. The free end of the projection 152a is providedwith an opening 152b for receiving one end of a wire 153, the oppositeend of which 153a is coupled to a leaf-spring 154 for the purpose ofdriving a mechanical counter 155 to provide a cumulative count of thenumber of closing operations experienced by the recloser mechanism. Theoperation is such that a closing operation drives the rotatable lever112 counterclockwise about shaft 147. Reciprocating lever 152 is therebydriven in the direction shown by arrow 156 of FIGURE 4, causing wire 153to be driven generally in the same direction. This is sufficient to pullleaf-spring 154 in the same general direction to cause the count inmechanical counter 155 to be increased by one each time a closingoperation is performed. The reading on counter 155 appears in window155a, shown arranged along the front face or cover 156 of the recloseroperating mechanism.

Pin means 143 pivotally connects with a connecting lever 142, the lowerend of which is pivotally coupled to U-shaped lever 140 by means of asubstantially L-shaped rod 141. L-shaped rod 141 passes through twosuitable openings provided near the base portion 140a of U-shaped rod140. The downwardly depending section passes through a suitable openingin leaf-spring 158 which extends generally in the horizontal direction.The opposite end of leaf-spring 158 is secured within two cooperatingslots 159 (only one of which is shown in FIGURE 4b) of a hollow cylinder160. Considering FIGURE 4b, the right-hand end of cylinder 160 isrigidly secured to shaft 161 which, in turn, is coupled to the armature162 of a flux shifting device 157.

The lower end of L-shaped rod 141 is threaded at 141a to receive afastening nut 145 which supports a hollow cylinder or collar 146. In theposition shown in FIGURE 4, the recloser device is in the openedposition. In the closed position, the L-shaped rod 141 is liftedsubstantially vertically upward as shown by arrow 164, causing theflange 146a of collar 146 to urge leaf-spring 158 vertically upwardly tothe dotted line position 158'. The right-hand end of leaf-spring 158(relative to FIGURE 4) is unable to rotate clockwise about shaft 161 dueto the fact that the armature 162 connected thereto is magneticallysealed in this position by means of a magnetic member (not shown). Themagnetic sealing of the armature 162 is released upon the occurrence ofa high magnitude current passing through the recloser contacts. Asensing means (not shown) which senses this critical condition shiftsthe flux pattern in the magnetically energized member to releasearmature 162 and permit cylindrical member 160 to rotate clockwise aboutits shaft 161 under control of the flexed lever spring 158. This causesits right-hand end 158a to bear against the trip pin 163 of the circuitbreaker operating mechanism so as to perform a tripping operation. Adetailed description of the rotary armature flux shifting device hasbeen omitted for purposes of simplicity, however, it should beunderstood that a detailed description of the device and its operationis fully set forth in copending application Ser. No. 436,578, filed Mar.2, 1965, which application. is assigned to the assignee of the instantinvention. The detailed description set forth in the above identifiedapplication is hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Upon the occurrence of a closing operation, the armature is reset by pinmeans 144 secured to L-shaped rod 141 which drives leaf-spring 158downwardly so as to set it in the solid line position shown in FIGURE 4in readiness for another high-speed tripping operation.

The rotating lever assembly 112 is operated between the contact open andcontact closed position by means of operating arm 150 which is rigidlysecured to cam member 164 by any suitable fastening means. Cam member164 is provided with a cam surface 164a which slidably engages a rollermember for the purpose of driving cam member 164, operating arm 150 androtatable lever arms 112a and 112b in the counterclockwise directionabout shaft 147, as shown in FIGURE 4.

A detailed description of the electromechanical operating mechanism forthe recloser of the instant invention will be omitted for purposes ofsimplicity. One preferred operating mechanism which may be employed withthe recloser structure of the instant invention is set forth in detailin US. Patents 2,937,258; 2,961,067; and 3,176,796, all of which patentshave been assigned to the assignee of the instant invention. Makingreference to these patents, there is taught therein a spring closingsystem for circuit breakers comprising a pair of opening springs whichmay be charged (i.e., fully extended) by either a motor means ormanually. Either of these two means charge the springs in the fullyloaded position preparatory to a high-speed closing operation. Once thesprings are fully charged they are latched into the charged position andwill not release their stored energy for the purpose of initiating ahighspeed closing operation until appropriate latch means are released.Upon release of the appropriate latch means, suitable linkage areprovided for ultimately driving a roller member substantially upward ina direction shown by arrow 165 of FIGURE 4 so as to rotate cam member164, operating arm 150 and rotatable levers 112a and 11211counterclockwise about shaft 147.

As will be noted from a consideration of FIGURES 3 and 4, the movementof rotatable lever 112 from the solid line position of FIGURE 3, to thedotted line position 112' of FIGURE 3, performs the function ofinitiating a high-speed closing operation, as well as causing theopening springs 120-122 to move to the fully charged or fully extendedposition. It should be clearly understood that the forces exerted by theclosing springs are of sufficient magnitude so as to completely overcomethe pull exerted by the opening springs 120122 during a closingoperation so that the opening springs will not act to defeat a highspeedclosing operation.

Also, as is further completely described in the above mentioned patents,suitable latch means are provided for the purpose of latching or lockingthe cam member 164 and hence the recloser contacts in the closedposition so as to prevent opening springs 120 122 to assume control overrotatable levers 112a and 11% and thereby erroneously performing anopening operation immediately subsequent to the completion of a closingoperation. Such latch means is identified by numeral 102, shown in FIG-URE 5 of the above mentioned Patent No. 2,937,258.

Upon release of such latch means the fully charged opening springs120-122 are capable of immediately assuming control over rotatable lever112 to initiate a highspeed opening operation. As was previouslydescribed, the buffer mechanism 133 is capable of absorbing most of theimpact near the end of both an opening stroke and a closing stroke asthe piston member 132 approaches the lefthand and right-hand ends,respectively, of the piston chamber 133.

The manner in which the rotatable lever arms 112a and 11212 operate toopen and close the vacuum switch cooperating contacts will now bedescribed, making specific reference to FIGURE 3:

Let it be assumed that the recloser contacts are in the open position,as shown in FIGURE 5c, and that the operating mechanisms closing springsare latched in the fully charged position preparatory to a closingoperation.

The previously mentioned latch (not shown herein) is tripped by eithermanual or local electric means, or remote electrical means to initiatethe closing operation. Any one of these three operations releases thelatch causing the closing springs to drive cam member 164, operating armand rotatable lever 112 counterclockwise from the solid line positionshown in FIGURE 3 to the dotted line position 112'. This causes theconnecting levers 118 to be moved in the direction shown by arrow 156 inFIGURE 4, from the position of FIGURE 4 to the solid line position ofFIGURE 3. The movement of connecting lever 118 in the direction of arrow156 drives lever arm 108 clockwise about jack shaft 103, causing jackshaft 103 to likewise rotate clockwise about its longitudinal axis. Thesecond lever a-rm 102, which is rigidly secured to jack shaft 103 isdriven clockwise about the jack shaft, causing the collar 101 to bemoved substantially in the downward vertical direction, as shown byarrow 170, causing the collar to be driven into engagement with theupper end of spring means 107. This spring means has a substantiallyhigh spring constant causing the opposite end of spring means 107 tourge washer member 106 and ultimately the insulating rod 99 in thedirection shown by arrow well before spring means 107 becomes fullycompressed.

The movement of insulating rod 170 is imparted to its upper end coupling98 which, in turn, causes the contact crank arm 80 to pivot clockwiseabout pin 96 relative to the view of FIGURE 3, thereby causing its otherarm to drive the contact coupling member 92 in the direction shown byarrow 171. Considering FIGURES 5a and 511, it can be seen that themovable contact terminal 61a is driven from the position shown in FIGURE5b to the position shown in FIGURE 5a. It should be noted that the totaltravel of the movable electrical terminal 61a is approximately /2".

With the cooperating contacts 57 and 58 in the closed position, acurrent path is established through conductive rod 32' of insulator 29'to stationary electrical terminal 60, contact 58, contact 57, movableelectrical terminal 61a, conductive block 76 (see FIGURES 5a and 5b),current-carrying links 74 and 75, conductive block 72 and conductivebracket 67 to the conductive rod 31 of the insulator assembly 29. Themain current path through the movable contact linkage is shown by thephantom line 173. A secondary current path also exists between themovable electrical terminal 61 and arm 68 of bracket 67 to theconductive rod 32. However, the major portion of current flows throughthe current path 173.

From a consideration of FIGURE 5b, it can be seen that two parallelcurrent paths extend through the cur-rent linking members 74 and 75 withboth current paths having the same current direction. Theelectromagnetic fields generated by these two current paths cause links74 and 75 to be urged toward one another, thereby firmly urging therounded projections 74a and 74b and 75a and 75b into the depressions72a, 76a and 72b, 76b, respectively, of the conductive blocks 72 and 76,respectively. From a consideration of the current path 173 it can beseen that a narrow current loop is formed thus setting up electromag- 13netic forces between the forward arm 69 of bracket 67 and the conductivelinks 74 and 75, causing the links 74 and 75 to exert a large closingforce upon movable electrical terminal 61a so as to maintain thecooperating contacts 57 and 58 in constant firm engagement.

As a result of the closing operation, the movement of rotatable arms112a and 112b cause the opening springs 120-122 to move to the fullycharged or fully extended position in readiness for an openingoperation. The previously mentioned U.S. patents provide latch means forlatching the circuit breaker in the closed position. It should be notedthat it is common in the circuit breaker field to provide trip-freemeans to permit instantaneous tripping or opening of the cooperatingcontacts even though the contactsare latched in the closed position.

In addition to the opening springs 120-122 being latched in the fullycharged position in readiness for a high-speed opening operation, itshould also be noted that spring means 107 also operates as asupplementary opening spring, as will now be described.

The closing operation drives the rotatable lever arm 102 downwardly, aswas previously described, so as to compress spring means 107. The amountof travel which the insulating rod 99 may experience in the downwardvertical direction is limited by the stationary contact 58. Since therod 99 only experiences approximately /2" of travel and since therotatable lever arm 102 and collar 101 experiences more than /2" oftravel, it can clearly be seen that spring 107 is compressed by asubstantial amount. In this position, with the rotatable arms 112a and112b locked in the contacts closed position, the spring means 107 actsas additional means for maintaining the cooperating contacts 57 and 58firmly engaged. Spring means 107 also cooperates with the buffermechanism to absorb a large amount of the closing impact toward the endof the closing stroke so as to prevent the various linkages from beingdamaged due to abrupt deceleration of the linkage members. Thus, thespring means 107 is now compressed and is in a substantially fullycharged condition. a

Let it now be assumed that an opening operation takes place:

The previously mentioned latch means which latches the cooperatingcontacts in the closed position is released by any suitable means inorder to initiate the opening operation. As was mentioned above, theopening springs are in two sets, namely, the set comprised of springs120- 122 and spring 107. Both of these sets of springs contribute to theopening operation, but each serve a particular function that will now bedescribed.

The set of opening springs comprised of spring members 120-122 which aremounted above the closing mechanism delivers energy throughout theopening stroke, but this energy is designed only to overcome operatingfriction and maintain contact velocity already established by the maincontact pressure and accelerating opening springs. The benefit of thisarrangement is to minimize the end of stroke impact and reduce theproblem of bounce-free travel termination to manageable proportions.

The second set of opening springs 107 which is comprised of a pair ofsuch opening springs is mounted at opposite ends of jack shaft 103 (onlyone of which is shown in FIGURES 2 and 2a) serve the dual function ofsupplying the very high contact pressure required by the interruptersand the force required for the extremely high acceleration ratenecessary to bring the contacts promptly to their high parting velocity.The springs 107 deliver their energy only through the first half of theopening stroke, and are mechanically by-passed at the half-way point.The initial release of linkages 118, 108 and 102 permits spring 107 tobe urged rapidly in the upward vertical direction, as shown by arrow176, driving collar 101 into engagement with end coupling 100, therebyrapidly urging insulating rod 99 upward and causing contact crank arm 80to rotate counterclockwise about its pivot 96 (as shown in FIGURE 3) soas to move the movable electrical terminal 61a in the direction shown byarrow 176. The rapidness of this engagement is thereby primarily causedby spring means 107 until the opening stroke reaches approximately thehalf-way point at which time the other set of opening springs comprisedof spring members -122 which release their energy at a much slower rateof spring means 107, exert control over the final half of the openingstroke.

An extremely advantageous feature of this arrangement is that thecontact pressure and accelerating springs 107 extract no energy from theclosing springs during the first half of the closing stroke, duringwhich time all of the closing energy should be directed to theaccelerating of the masses represented in the mechanism contacts andlinkages near the end of the stroke. The piston rod 131, which ispivotally coupled to arms 112a and 112b of FIGURE 4b decelerate themovable contact quickly to a bounce-free stop. This is important inorder to prevent damaging bounce are when closing in on a high fault.

The opening operations may be initiated either by mechanical orelectrical means in order to release the opening latch means. Theopening operation in the instant application may be triggered by themagnetic latch 157, shown best in FIGURES 4 and 4b, when operating inresponse to high magnitude fault currents.

The magnetic latch is a flux-shift device consisting of a permanentmagnet 181, a low reluctance flux path through control winding 182, aparallel high reluctance flux path through armature 162, and an armature162 capable of limited rotation through a fixed number of angulardegrees. The armature is normally locked in an inactive position by thepermanent magnet flux, but is spring biased in an active direction. Thearmature, in contact with fixed pole pieces 183, and 184, comprises thelow reluctance path. The high reluctance path consists of a core 182 andan air gap in series therewith. Core 182 carries a coil (not shown). Apulse of current through the coil momentarily converts the highreluctance path to a lower reluctance and causes the flux to shift fromthe low reluctance path of armature 162. The shift in flux reducesarmature holding torque below the spring bias torque and the armature isreleased. The end 158a of the flexible spring drives a projection of thetripping latch, thus releasing the latch and permitting the opening ofthe vacuum interrupters.

The coil of the magnetic latch is supplied by secondaries of specialbushing current transformers 185, shown near the top of FIGURE 2 andcommonly referred to as sensorsfAs can best be seen in FIGURE 2, thesensors 185 are substantially annular and surround insulator 29 andhence conducting rod 31 so as to be inductively coupled to any currentpassing therethrough. The sensors are secured by means of fasteningmembers 186 which rigidly clamp a support plate 187 beneath the currentsensors to thereby hold them rigidly in place. The upper ends of thefastening members are secured to the cover plate 24 of the reclosureapparatus. When line fault current exceeds a predetermined level thesensors secondary voltage (which is coupled to the coil of the rotaryarmature flux device in any suitable manner) reaches the valuepermitting adequate current to accomplish the flux shift and release themagnetic latch and hence the trip latch, in turn.

It should be noted that the design of the vacuum interrupters is suchthat during high fault currents the currentcarrying path on the movingcontact end, i.e., current path 173 of FIGURE 5a, provideselectromagnetic forces that tend to increase rather than decreasecontact force during the flow of fault current. Likewise, the currentlinks 74 and 75 of FIGURES 5a and 5b tend to increase contact pressureof the links during fault current flow.

The sequence of operations performed by the recloser in response tofault current conditions of any variety is controlled by an electronicsolid state control circuit housed at 190, shown in FIGURE 2, whichelectronic cir- 15 cuitry determines open interval duration, the numberof open intervals, dual time/current characteristic and final lock-out.The control circuitry housed at 190 is equipped with calibrated dialspermitting adjustment to published values and accuracies of any of thefollowing operating characteristics Choice of time delay curve;

Choice of fast curve;

Number of trips to lock out;

Number of total trips that will be fast; Minimum pickup sensitivity ofeach phase; Duration of first open interval;

Duration of second open interval; Duration of third open interval;

Control reset time.

All of these adjustments can be made by manipulating the appropriateknobs provided on a panel behind the door 192 that can be locked foraccess only to authorized personnel. However, three manual switcheswhich may be controlled by the knobs 191 are accessible to any operatingpersonnel through removable panel 193 and these knobs provide forreclose after lock-out, local trip, and a safety lock-out ornon-automatic setting to defeat the control programming and causelock-out after one opening response to a fault. The control is compactand may be readily removed by maintenance personnel for inspection and/or maintenance purposes.

The actual electronic circuitry for the recloser is set forth in detailin copending US. application Ser. No. 522,- 185, filed Jan. 2, 1966, nowPatent No. 3,416,035 and assigned to the assignee of the instantinvention. For the reason that the recloser circuitry is describedtherein in great detail it will be omitted from this application forpurposes of simplicity. It is sufficient, however, to understand theoperations of such recloser circuits without making reference tospecific detailed circuitry to understand how such a circuit functionswith the device of the instant invention.

As is conventional in the recloser field, the unique characteristic of arecloser is the capability of immediately opening due to a severecurrent change in the circuit being monitored, to remain open for abrief predetermined interval and then to reclose in order to place thecircuit back into service. The theory behind such operation is that thelarge majority of such abrupt current changing conditions are transientin nature and that such conditions will be corrected within the very"brief interval of open time. The recloser, therefore will open inresponse to such a condition, remain open for a brief interval and thenreclose in an effort to allow the fault condition to be cleared. If notcleared, a second important capability is time/ current coordinationWith down line devices to cause disconnection of the faulted linesection while continuing service to the remainder of the connectedcircuit. The recloser then is capable of opening two or more additionaltimes in the presence of an abrupt current change and reclose each timethereafter until having reclosed a predetermined number of times andfinding that the critical condition is still present will then trip andlock out, i.e., lock in an open position. Some of the variables in sucha recloser apparatus are:

The speed at which the recloser will trip;

The period of time that the recloser will remain open;

The number of recloser operations that will be performed before therecloser goes to lock-out.

All of these characteristics are performed by the solid state circuitrydescribed in copending application 522,185. One very distinctiveadvantage of such circuitry, in addition to novelty of structure, is theextreme compactness of the device, enabling it to be readily and simplyenclosed within the lower housing of the recloser apparatus, and topresent no loading problems to the apparatus due to the extremelight-weight of the circuitry.

It can therefore be seen from the foregoing description that the instantinvention provides a novel recloser apparatus for use in either outdooror indoor applications and which is uniquely adapted for outdoor use dueto its lightweight high strength design in which a skeletal structure isemployed for support only and the housing therefore, which is preferablyformed of a suitable insulating material, performs only the function ofprotecting the recloser operating apparatus from the elements and is notrelied upon to provide any structural strength for the device.

The vacuum interrupters are mounted directly between their associatedinsulator bushings and the design of the operating mechanism permitsmounting of the operating device directly beneath the vacuuminterrupters so as to greatly simplify operation and packaging of thedevice. The opening spring functions are divided between two separatesets of opening springs one of which assists in providing excellentcontact pressure when the recloser vacuum interrupters are in theengaged position and which is designed to impart extremely highaccelerationto the moving contacts, which acceleration is necessary tobring the contacts promptly to their high parting velocity. This set ofopening springs, however, does not affect the closing operation from itsinitiation to substantially a point halfway through the closing stroke.These, as well as other features, all contribute to provide a recloserapparatus which is both unique in design and operation.

Although there has been described a preferred embodiment of this novelinvention, many variations and modifications will now be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is to be limited,not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appending claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A recloser device comprising:

a base for securing the recloser device to a surface;

a vertical column supported on said base;

a plurality of horizontally aligned members secured to said column nearits upper end and extending in opposite directions from said column;

a closed loop member secured to and framing the opposite ends of saidhorizontal members, said loop member having an upwardly directed groove;

at least one arch secured to said horizontal members and including asubstantially vertically aligned section supporting a horizontallyaligned section;

a lightweight substantially rectangular shaped enclosure covering thesubstantially vertically aligned section of said arch and having itslower marginal edge seated in said upwardly directed groove;

a cover plate secured to the horizontally aligned section of said archand overlaying the upper marginal edge of said enclosure forsubstantially sealing the top of said enclosure;

a barrier wall supported by said horizontally aligned members andsecured to said closed loop member;

said rectangular enclosure and said barrier wall defining an uppercompartment for said recloser dev1ce;

at least one pair of terminal bushings secured to said cover plate andhaving their upper ends protruding above said cover plate for couplingto electrical ap paratus to be protected and their lower ends extendingdownwardly into the upper compartment defined by said enclosure andbarrier wall; and

vacuum switch means within said compartment being mechanically supportedbetween said pair of terminal bushings and being electrically connectedtheret0.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein:

said closed loop member also has a downwardly directed groove, whereinsaid barrier wall has at least one opening and wherein there is furtherincluded:

a second disc shaped enclosure having a lower end embracing saidvertical column at the lower end of said column and having an uppermarginal edge seated in said downwardly directed groove;

said second enclosure and said barrier wall defining a lower compartmentfor said recloser device;

an operating mechanism positioned in said lower compartment and beingsecured to said horizontally aligned member; and

insulating connecting means coupling said operating mechanism to saidvacuum switch means through said barrier wall opening.

3. A recloser device comprising:

an enclosure;

a substantially horizontally aligned barrier wall mounted in saidenclosure dividing said enclosure into upper and lower compartments;

a pair of bushings mounted at spaced intervals at the upper end of saidenclosure and having their lower ends extending into said uppercompartment;

a vacuum switch comprising a pair of cooperating contacts mounted withina vacuum enclosure, said vacuum switch being mounted within said uppercompartment and between the lower ends of said bushin s;

one of said contacts being stationary and the other being movable intoand out of engagement with said one contact;

a rotatable L-shaped arm having its knee pivotally mounted to thebushing adjacent the movable contact; 7

one end of said L-shaped arm being pivotally secured directly with saidmovable contact;

an operating mechanism mounted in said lower compartment for operatingsaid movable contact between the engaged and disengaged positions;

said barrier wall having an opening;

an insulating rod passing through said opening and pivotally coupleddirectly with said operating mechanism in said lower compartment andwith the second end of said L-shaped arm in said upper compartment;

said insulating rod being diagonally aligned so that its lower end insaid lower compartment is positioned beneath said vacuum switch;

whereby operation of said mechanism exerts a force on said L-shaped armdirectly through said insulating rod and pivotal couplings;

a rotatable shaft, first and second arms being keyed to said shaft;

closing spring means movable between a charged and a discharged positionand being mechanically linked to said second arm;

a collar being reciprocally mounted to said insulating rod near thelower end thereof;

said one end of said L-shaped arm being pivotally coupled to saidcollar;

first opening spring means surrounding said insulating rod beingpositioned beneath said collar;

fastening means secured to the lower end of said insulating rod forsupporting the lower end of said first opening spring means;

said closing spring means moving said contact pair to the engagedposition'when moving from the charged to the discharged position;

anism further comprises:

releasable latch means for latching said cooperating contacts into theengaged position when said closing spring moves to the dischargedposition;

second opening spring means coupled between a stationary point on saidoperating mechanism and said second arm;

said second opening spring being normally discharged and being chargedwhen said closing spring is discharged;

said second opening spring being discharged upon release of said latchmeans to disengage said cooperating contacts;

said first opening spring means being discharged prior to said secondopening spring to initiate high speed disengagement of said cooperatingcontacts upon release of said latch means.

5. The device of claim 3 wherein said vacuum switch means is furthercomprised of:

a movable terminal protruding through one end of said envelope andhaving its interior end secured to said movable contact;

a conductive bracket positioned adjacent said one end of said envelope;

the top end of said bracket being electrically connected to the bushingadjacent said one end of said envelope;

conductive link means pivotally connected at its lower end to the lowerend of said bracket and pivotally connected at its upper end to saidmovable contact terminal;

said conductive link means and said bracket forming a loop to urge saidcontacts into firm engagement when a current flows through said vacuumswitch and said bushings.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein said conductive bracket is providedwith an opening aligned substantially coaxially with said movablecontact terminal;

said insulating rod upper end being pivotally connected to said movablecontact terminal outer end.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,473,843 6/1949 Baker et al.2,711,460 6/1955 Tilli et al. 2,937,258 5/1960 Starr 200169 2,961,06711/1960 Starr 335-76 X 3,163,735 12/1964 Miller. 3,300,609 1/ 1967Flurscheim et al.

ROBERT S. MACON, Primary Examiner 1 FORM PO-IOSO (Io-s9) UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent N 3,502,834 Dated March24. 1970 Invent r(5) Everett J. et 8.1.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent andthat said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the drawings, Fig. 2a, change lOlb designating the downwardlyprojecting portion of end coupling 100 to 10Gb; Fig. 3, apply lOOb tothe downwardly projecting portion of end coupling 100 andapply 143 tothe pivot pin at the lower end of lever arm 108; Fig. 4, apply 157immediately below reciprocating lever 152; Fig. 4b, apply 141a to thelower threaded end of L-shaped rod 141 and change 129 to 129a and extendthe lead line from 150 to the flat plate mounted on pin 129; Fig. 5a,apply a phantom line 173 through elements 57-61 61a, 74, 72 and 67 toshow the main current path through the movable contact linkage; Fig. 5b,apply 72 to the lower conductiveblock, 72a and 72b to the right and leftdepressions respectively, in the conductive block 72, apply 74a and 74bto the lower and upper rounded projections, respectively, in the currentlinking member 74 and apply 75a and 75b to the lower and upper roundedprojections in current linking member 75, apply 76 to the upperconductive block, apply 76a and 76b to the right and left depressions,respectively, in the upper conductive block 76, apply 65 to the righthand threaded member securing supporting bracket 67 to the frontmounting plate 63, apply 77 to the set screw in block 76; Fig. 5c, apply79a to the opening in the contact rod head 79.

USCOMM-DC scan-P09 1| us. eovnmunn PIIN'HNG ornct: nu o-su-su patent3,502,834 Dated March 24, 1970 E. J. FIELD ET AL PAGE 2 Inventor(s) Itis certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1 line 29, "mechanism" should be mechanisms Column 2, line 11"closingsprings" should be closing springs Column 2, line 24 "oepning"should be opening Column 2, line 60, after "springs" insert a commaColumn 5, line 26, change "an" to a Column 5, line 26, before "end"insert sectionalized Column 5 line 32, change "an" to a Column 5, line32, before "end" insert sectionalized Column 5, line 59, "toward" shouldbe from the Column 5 line 62 before "H-" insert the upper and loweredges of Column 5 line 63, "This assembly" should be The member Column 5line 71 "leverages" should be levers Column 6, line 40, "curve" shouldbe curved track Column 6, line 55, "curve" should be curved track Column7 line 4 "of" should be shown in detail in Column 7 line '5 "conductor"should be conductive Column 7 line 27, after "region" insert to preventextraneous matter Column 7, line 29,--conductive--should be insertedafter "elongated"; Column 7, line 46, "50" should be 30 Column 8, line51, after "member" insert (not shown) Column 9 line 27 in both instances"100d" should be lOOb Column 9 line 37, after "lOlb" insert (see Figure2a) Column 9, line 38, "29." should be 3 Column 9 line 55 "its" shouldbe a Column 9, line 72, the comma should be a period Column 10,

line 6 "reward" should be rearward Column 10, lines 22 23 and 25 "129"should be 129a Column 11 line 47, "linkage" should be linkages Column 11line 53, delete "solid"; line 'l cancel ""line", first" occurrence,nsameline 54, change "3" to 4 Column 11 line 54 delete "dotted line"; Column11, line 55, delete llZ' FORM Po-IOSO (IO-69) USCOMM-DC man-P09 ll 5,GOVEINMENT PRINTING OFFICE "6| 0-366-334 FORM PO-105O (10-69] Patent No.3,502,834 Dated March 970 E. J. FIELD ET AL PAGE 3 Inventor(s) It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 12, line 21, delete "counterclockwise"; Column 12, line 22,delete "solid line"; Column 12, line 22, change "3" to 4 Column 12, line23, delete "dotted line"; Column 12, line 23, delete 112' and substitutetherefor shown in Figure 3 Column 12, line 25, "4" (second occurrence]should be 3 Column 12, line 26, "3" should be 4 Column 12, line 28,"clockwise" should be counterclockwise Column 12, line 28, before thecomma insert [relative to Figure 3) Column 12, line 43, "clockwise"should be counterclockwise Column 12, line 48, "5b" should be 5c Column13, line 75, "counterclockwise" should be clockwise Column 14, line 20,

"arc" should be arcing Column 9, line 75 cancel "serves to. Column 10,line 1 cancel the phrase "mount. in 1211171,"; 111165 22, 23 and 25,"129" each dccurrence,- should read me 129a Signed and sealed this 14thday of December 1971 (SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER, JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer ActingCommissioner of Patents USCOMM-DC GOS'Ifi-F'GD 5, GOVERNMENT PRINYINGOFFICE l9. O-lii-IJI

